HomeNavigation arrowBlogNavigation arrow
Current page
Success Stories

How One Louisiana Team Keeps Setting the Bar for Military Ball Photography Success

How One Louisiana Team Keeps Setting the Bar for Military Ball Photography Success
When it comes to military ball events, our incredible NowCandid users out of Louisiana have done it again!

Building on their previous years of success, they’ve once again showcased how profitable and rewarding these events can be with the right tools, strategy, and dedication.

Consistency & Growth in 2024

Despite a slight decrease in event participants/attendance in 2024 compared to the previous year, this Louisiana team managed to match their impressive ~$26,000 sales total from 2023—and they didn’t stop there. They also improved their sales per image and sales per participant averages, proving that even with fewer attendees, their ability to deliver value remains unparalleled.

This is the kind of consistency and adaptability that defines true professionals. Even more remarkable is their journey to this point.

The Journey: From 2022 to 2024

It’s worth revisiting their story. Back in 2022, this team had just started using NowCandid—trained on the system the week of their first military ball event. Despite being completely new to the platform and working under tight deadlines, they pulled in an impressive $16,000 in sales. While those numbers didn’t quite hit the heights of their 2023 and 2024 totals, it was a strong foundation for what was to come.

For their 2023 and 2024 events, they doubled down on preparation and team strategy, hiring additional staff to support their photographers and improve operational efficiency.

One of the key moves was more actively promoting selfie check-ins, which not only enhanced the customer experience but also increased the number of photos taken—a direct driver of sales. These refinements pushed them to over $26,000 in sales in 2023 and another stellar year in 2024.

Looking Ahead to 2025

With the new Web Dashboard at their fingertips, the Louisiana team is already preparing to take their 2025 military ball to new heights. The Web Dashboard will unlock features that are sure to impress attendees and drive even greater sales:

  • More Art Overlay Options: Customize event images with exciting designs that attendees will love.
  • All-New Retail Site: A sleek, user-friendly interface for clients to browse and purchase their images.
  • Upsell Opportunities: Introduce premium options like retouching and diamond gloss print coating to enhance the final product and boost sales.

Armed with these enhancements, they’re aiming for even bigger successes in 2025—and we can’t wait to see what they accomplish.

Military Balls: A Goldmine for Photographers

This Louisiana team’s story is a shining example of how profitable military ball events can be. With strategic planning, the right tools, and a little effort, these events can bring in tens of thousands of dollars in revenue.

If there are military bases in or near your area, we strongly encourage you to seek out these opportunities. Partnering with military organizations for formal events is not only rewarding financially but also a chance to build lasting relationships with a highly engaged audience.

Tips for Success

  • Invest in Support Staff: Extra hands help keep the process smooth, from organizing attendees to encouraging selfie check-ins.
  • Leverage NowCandid Tools: Our workflows, like Selfie Check-In and advanced offers, make events efficient and client-focused.
  • Upsell Smartly: Use premium options like overlays, retouching, and print upgrades to maximize your per-participant revenue.
  • Engage Participants Early: Drive excitement and ensure attendees know how to access their photos before and after the event.

Ready to Capture More Success?

Military ball events are a prime opportunity to elevate your business, and NowCandid is here to support you every step of the way. If this story inspires you to explore similar opportunities, don’t hesitate to reach out or dive into your local market to find events like these.

Here’s to making 2025 your most successful year yet! 🎉

Related articles

7 Strategies to Grow Your Photography Business with NowCandid 🚀
Photography Tips
June 29, 2023

7 Strategies to Grow Your Photography Business with NowCandid 🚀

7
 minutes read
First off, congratulations on starting your photography business! Now, it's time to take the next steps and grow it.

In this post, we'll offer strategic advice to help you effectively expand your photography business with a particular focus on building a strong team, proactive networking, and optimizing your workflow with NowCandid.

1. Optimize Your Workflow ⚙️

Efficiency is the key to successful growth. Evaluate your existing workflow and identify opportunities to streamline processes, automate tasks, and apply time-saving solutions. NowCandid's comprehensive platform makes managing your photography business more efficient, allowing you to earn more, while working less.

2. Hire and Train a Team 👥

As your business expands, so should your team. Recruit talented photographers and support staff and invest in their training and development. With NowCandid, your team can concentrate on capturing amazing photos and providing top-tier customer service.

3. Network Proactively 🤝

Growing your business often requires extending your network to potential clients, partners, and collaborators. Engaging with your local chamber of commerce and demonstrating your photography system, like NowCandid, can lead to new bookings. Once you've established your presence at events, organic growth will follow as attendees experience your photo system in action, promoting word-of-mouth marketing.

4. Identify New Opportunities with NowCandid 🔍

Diversification is a fundamental strategy for growth. NowCandid allows you to effortlessly branch out into new areas like sports, graduations, parties, holiday portraits, and corporate headshots. Using your existing equipment and familiar workflows, NowCandid facilitates the expansion of your business reach and profitability.

5. Leverage Social Media and Online Marketing 🌐

A robust online presence can showcase your portfolio, engage with potential clients, and generate leads. Utilize social media platforms, SEO, and email marketing to promote your services. NowCandid's white-label system ensures your brand remains the main focus in all your marketing efforts - we want you to grow your brand! Your success is our success.

6. Strengthen Your Brand 💪

Distinctive branding can set you apart from your competition and attract your ideal clients. Invest in professional branding elements such as a unique logo and a modern website. NowCandid's customizable Canva templates help also help you out as you start marketing NowCandid's phot systems as your own photo system! Not to mention it makes it easy to maintain a consistent brand image across some of your marketing materials.

7. Monitor Your Progress with NowCandid 📈

Track your business's growth using key performance indicators (KPIs) and set measurable goals. NowCandid provides detailed and transparent reports, helping you easily track crucial KPIs and sales by image folder. This allows you to assess the performance of each photographer at every event, and make informed decisions.

Expansion is an exciting phase for any business!

By strategically networking, building a strong team, and utilizing the power of NowCandid, you're well on your way to leading your photography business to new heights of success.

Summar Seminar 2023: 7 Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale
Events
June 23, 2023

Summar Seminar 2023: 7 Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale

5
 minutes read
Want to get the most out of your photography business?

This is the opportunity you've been waiting for! Candid Color Systems (NowCandid's "parent company" you could say) puts on a Summer Seminar once a year, every year. It's a revolutionary chance to talk shop and network with other volume photographers from around the country, learn about what's new with NowCandid, hear about success stories of all kinds, see presentations from some expert guest speakers, and importantly - have fun! This experience has cultivated extreme growth for many of our partners.

Don’t miss the fun! Here are our top 7 things to do while in town!

1. Head to the beach! 

1-Jun-22-2023-06-35-53-6697-PM
Our hotel offers beach chair and umbrella service on this gorgeous stretch of sand!

2. Get a Water Taxi pass! 

2-Jun-22-2023-06-35-53-4275-PM
Hop on and off the water taxi’s or just cruise to see the city for the water. Pass fabulous homes and amazing boats on your way around the intra-coastal waterway!

3. Cruise Las Olas Blvd

3-3
Our summer Seminar home is just minutes from the start of the famous Las Olas which is filled with shops, gallerias and restaurants. 

4. Take the River Walk!

4-2
This great Ft. Lauderdale walking area has parks, restaurants and plenty to do. Join a paddle board or segway tour from here to see the area! 

5. Rent a boat (or jet ski)!

5-2
For the ultimate flexibility you can rent or charter a boat from many places. And you don’t have to go far! Walk right out the back door of our seminar home and take a walk around the Bahia Mar marina.

6. Watch mega Yachts cruise by at the 15th Street Fisheries

6-2
There is no better way to spend an evening! Have a cocktail and see amazing ships cruise by as the sun sets. 

7. Head to the everglades!

7-1
If you have more time, we suggest a trip to the everglades. If you have a car, you can go direct and skip the tour vans. Go early in case of an afternoon shower in the everglade afternoons. And make sure you get on an actual Airboat for the full experience!

Want to register for the Summer Seminar? Click below!

10 Perks of Choosing NowCandid for Your Photo Business!📸
Photography Tips
June 22, 2023

10 Perks of Choosing NowCandid for Your Photo Business!📸

7
 minutes read
Hey there, fellow shutterbugs! 📷

It's Candy, your NowCandid guide, and I'm beyond excited to share some of the amazing perks that come with using NowCandid for your photography business. You know, it's not just about snapping those perfect moments, it's about the whole journey - from the click of the shutter to delivering a smile to your customers. So, let's delve into how NowCandid can add some extra ✨sparkle✨ to your photography sales experience!

1. Retail Customer Support

Relax and focus on capturing those perfect shots while we take care of customer support for you! From order issues to resubmissions, we've got it covered at no extra cost. Let us handle the details so you can do what you do best.

2. Transparent Margins

Take control of your earnings with NowCandid! We provide upfront clarity on your profit margins, and there's no billing to worry about. Enjoy simple accounting with weekly payouts directly to you.

3. Sales Tax Management

Don't fret about the sales tax; we've got it handled! We collect and pay sales tax on your behalf, keeping your financial affairs smooth and hassle-free.

4. Swift Order Fulfillment

Every order is fulfilled within two business days, often less! With our efficient processes, your customers never have to wait long for their cherished memories.

5. Profit from Shipping

In addition to your photography profits, you can also earn from shipping revenue. All orders are shipped directly to your customer right after they're made, ensuring quick and efficient delivery.

6. Fair and Honest Business Model

We're in this together! There are no startup fees, hidden charges, or subscriptions. We only make money when you do - that's our promise.

7. White-Label Service

With NowCandid, your brand takes center stage. From marketing campaigns to retail site design, your brand is at the forefront of everything we do.

8. Live Upload and Instant Marketing

Optimize your sales with our optional live upload Workflows and automated marketing campaigns. Sell on-site and provide instant gratification to your customers. Speed and convenience are the name of the game and a surefire way to increase your sales.

9. One-Stop Shop

We're not just a software company, we're also a photo lab! This integration makes us a comprehensive solution for all your customer support and photography needs.

10. Simple, Effective, Scalable

Built on 50+ years of industry experience, NowCandid is designed to be straightforward, efficient, and adaptable. And for those specific needs beyond NowCandid, our CORE software has you covered, letting you take your photography business to the next level.

And there you have it, my photography pals 📸

The top 10 ways NowCandid works behind the scenes to give you an unforgettable, hassle-free photography experience. I'm pretty sure these benefits sound as exciting to you as they do to me! So why wait? Join us on this remarkable journey and let's bring your photography business to new heights! Remember, we're here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s make magic together with NowCandid!

Until next time, keep clicking and creating beautiful memories.

Ciao! 👋

- Candy

Let’s get in touch

If you’re a photographer looking to add NowCandid services to your wheelhouse – set up a call by clicking the button below.

How to customize formatting for each rich text

How to customize formatting for each rich text

How to customize formatting for each rich text

How to customize formatting for each rich text

How to customize formatting for each rich text
How to customize formatting for each rich text

What’s a Rich Text element?

The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!

Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

  • List One
  • List Two
  • List Three
  • List Four
  • List Five

This is a link

This is bold text